Guiding Epidural Needles

The epidural space of the spine exists between the vertebrae and dura, beneath which is the arachnoid space filled with cerebrospinal fluid under pressure. Thus it takes a skilled, steady hand to thread the needle through the ligaments without puncturing the fibrous dura. Scoliosis and calcification can complicate the needle placement; so, to improve this procedure, two biomedical engineering students at the University of Virginiahave invented a hand-held devices that images the spine by ultrasound, and locates the best position for needle placement. After the needle is inserted, a catheter is put through the needle to deliver a pain-numbing drug. See the video. MORE WITH VIDEO